Economics Seen as Underlying Issue in Zoning Debate

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(Left: The crowd at last night’s meeting. Right: supervisors)
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[audio:http://www.kciiradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/00244-Joanne-Zager.mp3]
anti-zoning
[audio:http://www.kciiradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/00245-Farmer.mp3]
pro-zoning

Around 150 people turned out last night for a public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance for Washington County.

Many opposed to zoning say they are because of broad reaching political and governmental philosophies. They say it will take away their freedom and put government in charge of more

Brighton Resident Joanne Zager has a much more basic reason to be against it: As a small business owner she says it would restrict her livelihood.

Many of the farmers in attendance support zoning for the same reasons Zager opposes it. They say it’s crucial to protect prime farmland.

The zoning ordinance is expected to undergo at least two more readings before being up for a final vote by the board of supervisors.